If he was treated by the Dr last week then ideally he should be seen again by the Dr. Otherwise it's perfectly reasonable to see a nurse practitioner - most will have done a lot of additional training in history taking and examination and many have prescribing qualifications. They will also refer on to the Dr if the problem is outside of their competency.

He was treated for a Chest infection by a dr who was duty - kept getting knocking on his door and phone calls and that was within the 5 mins we were there. He listened his chest, checked his throat and ear and prescribed antibiotics - I expressed concern about the antibiotic as it would e the first time he would have had penicillin and DH and DS1 are allergic - dr said 'take them anyway if he develops a rash or allergies come back or go to A&E' so far he has been ok on them, just no effect at all and getting worse :-(

Ring back and tell receptionist. I have been through all this with youngest ds. It's horrible, he had his first chest infection at eight weeks. Keep going with antibiotics until he is well. My ds is 5 now and seems to be a bit more resilient. He had endless chest infections as a baby and toddler. Also, ask whether you need some inhalers. Good luck, hope he feels better soon.

ENorma - op is probably shattered and emotional. Sometimes when we're not feeling top notch it's not easy to male decisions - she's after advice and perhaps the confidence boost to ring back and ask without feeling demanding

Maybe you should've been more forceful with the person on the phone - I'd lay money on the NP putting you straight into Dr anyway given that the Dr prescribed the original treatment, so don't panic I'm sure you will get to see the Dr.

I just called back and got a different receptionist. They are now fully booked. She said if nurse can't deal with it she will pass over to a dr. Or I could cancel my appointment and do what I did last week. Go sit and wait for a space to see the dr. Which last resulted in waiting 1 hour and 45 mins!! IV kept the appointment and hopefully something will be done.

Nurse practitioners are just as good as GPs, they can prescribe and diagnose. You have to do a postgrad style degree to become a nurse practitioner, they are not 'just nurses'.

Tbh I prefer to see a nurse practitioner, they always give better advice and more practical advice that GPs who usually prefer to fob you off with antibiotics and try to get you in and out of the office as quick as humanly possible. A NP will spend more time with a patient and actually diagnose them rather than just throwing them ABs and hoping for the best.